Guidelines for a Safe Yoga Practice
1. Ahimsa, Do No Harm. If it hurts, don’t do it.
2. Your breath will tell you if your practice is over extended.
3. Honor the teacher within. Practice with awareness. Slow and Steady
4. Listen to what the body says... Be firm yet soft.
5. Avoid strain, excessive torque, and rigidity.
6. Do your own practice, not your neighbor’s
Protect Your Back --
Keep your knees slightly bent and hinge from your hips
when you bend forward from any standing position. For arching backwards,
concentrate
on opening the front of the body by lengthening from the navel to the sternum.
Be
careful not to over-arch your lower back, as this will compress the lumbar
disks.
Protect Your Knees --
Never lock your knees when in a standing posture. If you
feel any strain while doing sitting or kneeling postures, place a cushion or
folded
blanket under your bottom.
Protect Your Neck --
Be sure you keep your neck in alignment with the rest of your
spine at all times, especially when arching backwards. Be careful not to allow
your neck
to drop back or down.